Crackdown on caravaning in El Cotillo

“Protect the environment, coexistence and the image” – After “months of paperwork,” the La Oliva City Council has removed belongings, caravans and abandoned vehicles from El Cotillo. The municipality claims it acted with “empathy” toward the displaced people, some of whom own property, and also places responsibility on the owners of the plots. According to the mayor, the operation was driven by the need to protect the environment, coexistence and the municipality’s image.

The La Oliva City Council carried out a comprehensive operation in El Cotillo to prevent environmental degradation, waste accumulation and the establishment of unauthorized residential uses on several private plots.

The intervention, led by the Department of the Environment, was executed in close collaboration with the Local Police, environmental guides and municipal cleaning services. It is part of a long and complex administrative file that required months of monitoring, technical inspections, police reports and formal notices to the landowners.

The council announced in a press release that the actions included:

• Removal of abandoned vehicles that were being used for residential purposes;
• Proper collection and disposal of accumulated waste and belongings;
• Transfer of the abandoned vehicles to a dismantling facility.

“Empathy” with the Displaced People, Some of Whom Own Property

In parallel, the municipality provided information, accompaniment and logistical support to the people affected, acting with empathy and respect. The council clarified that many of the occupants of these spaces have a primary residence or a second home, so the situation does not represent a generalized case of social exclusion. Rather, it involves land‑use practices that do not comply with current regulations and that generate negative environmental and visual impacts.

“Protect the Environment, Coexistence and the Image”

“Our duty is to protect the environment, coexistence and the image of the municipality. We have acted with sensitivity, listening and accompanying people, but also with firmness to prevent irregular situations from becoming chronic and turning into larger problems,” said Mayor Isaí Blanco.

“This operation is the result of months of discreet and constant work. From the Environment Department we have led a preventive, dialogic and coordinated process to stop certain spaces from turning into illegal settlements and to ensure that the land remains clean, safe and in proper condition,” explained Environmental Councilor David Fajardo.

Plot Owners Are Also Responsible

The council reminded that private plots must be kept clean, safe and sanitary—not only for aesthetic or tourism‑image reasons, but also for public health and risk prevention, such as fire hazards or unsanitary conditions.

More serious cases have already been referred to the Canary Islands’ Natural Environment Protection Agency, and the municipality will continue monitoring to avoid the re‑appearance of irregular uses.

The La Oliva City Council concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to a ordered, sustainable and respectful municipality, where environmental protection, legality and coexistence are fundamental pillars.